Noodle Shop Rennosuke

Noodle Shop Rennosuke is a true hidden gem. Nestled deep within a residential area, just 10 minutes from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, this unassuming spot lacks a noren or a signboard. Instead, a simple model of its ramen bowl in a small window signals that you’ve arrived at the right place. Inside, the restaurant feels more like an industrial-like zen sanctuary than a chirpy ramen joint. A sleek, grey concrete counter stretches across the dining area, and the minimalist grey theme extends to the kitchen walls and ceiling. The blue bowls, specially commissioned from Kiyomizu ware, are artworks in their own right. The owner, who trained for five years at a Michelin-starred ramen establishment, brings exceptional skill to every bowl of noodles. The seafood-based stock is infused with rare Rausu kombu kelp and bonito, while the soy sauce, sourced from Hyogo Prefecture, adds a rich depth and hue to the soup. Kyoto wheat noodles swim in the glossy broth, complemented by chashu made from Kyoto-raised pork, aged for four days to perfection. Diners often savor every drop of the soup before indulging in the homemade custard pudding. Tender and drizzled with caramelized sugar syrup, it’s the perfect conclusion to a memorable meal. Noodle Shop Rennosuke is a recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award in 2024.